In a renewed move to deepen disability inclusion and strengthen social protection systems across the country, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This came during a strategic engagement with a high-powered delegation from the Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The meeting marked a major step toward building stronger federal–state synergy aimed at reducing poverty, expanding access to social protection, and ensuring no individual with a disability is left behind—especially in communities where support systems are still emerging.
NCPWD Records Rise in Disability Data, Calls for Stronger Stakeholder Partnerships
Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, expressed satisfaction with KASPA’s efforts in supporting vulnerable populations, noting that the rising number of Nigerians living with disabilities—now estimated at over 38 million, up from 35.5 million—calls for stronger collaboration, better data management, and more inclusive development strategies.
Hon. Gufwan commended KASPA for its proactive commitment to inclusivity, particularly in an era where poverty, social exclusion, and limited access to support systems continue to affect millions.
“We are committed to working with KASPA and other stakeholders to create an inclusive society where Persons with Disabilities can thrive,” he said. “Partnerships like this are the backbone of our mandate, especially as we expand our reach to every local government in the country.”
He emphasized that the Commission is intensifying efforts to build institutional linkages across states, empower local actors, and strengthen early detection and data systems that will help tailor interventions to the needs of PWDs.
KASPA Unveils Ambitious Plans for Disability Inclusion in Kano State
The Director General of KASPA, Dr. Fatima Abdul Abubakar, who led the delegation, praised the NCPWD for its consistent support and leadership in national disability affairs. She highlighted KASPA’s expanding portfolio of social protection interventions, including the establishment of a dedicated Disability Department—the first of its kind in the state’s social sector architecture.
She announced a landmark initiative: plans to establish the Kano State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, a statutory body expected to strengthen disability rights enforcement, improve service coordination, and enhance the visibility of PWDs at the grassroots level across all 44 local government areas.
“This will enable us to reach Persons with Disabilities in every community and deepen our social protection impact,” Dr. Fatima said. “We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with NCPWD to promote the rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities in Kano State and beyond. We are also seeking synergy with the Commission toward building a robust disability data management system.”
According to her, the proposed Commission will harmonize disability-related programs, eliminate duplication, and ensure that social protection interventions effectively target beneficiaries who need them most.
Kano State’s Bold Social Protection Reforms
Established in 2025 under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, KASPA has been positioned as a central driver of institutional reform and social inclusion in Kano State. The agency coordinates, implements, and monitors social protection activities across the state—targeting improved livelihoods, poverty reduction, and equitable access to opportunities.
Its core objectives include:
- Poverty reduction: Implementing programs to improve living standards
- Social inclusion: Ensuring vulnerable groups have equal access to services and opportunities
- Livelihood enhancement: Supporting initiatives that stabilize income and build resilience
The agency also plays a pivotal role in building synergy among ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure coherent implementation of social protection policies.
Toward a More Inclusive Nigeria
The meeting between NCPWD and KASPA reflects a shared vision: building a Nigeria where persons with disabilities enjoy full rights, dignity, and opportunities for growth. By aligning federal and state-level efforts, both institutions aim to accelerate disability inclusion, expand access to essential services, and ensure coordinated social protection interventions.
As conversations on disability inclusion continue to gain national prominence, this partnership signals a bold step toward strengthening institutional frameworks, empowering communities, and securing a better future for millions of Nigerians with disabilities.
The collaboration is expected to lead to more concrete action plans in the coming months—especially in areas of disability data management, policy development, and grassroots inclusion.
— By TQM News Desk
